Texas Instruments PCM3168APAPRG4

Overview

PCM3168APAPRG4 from Texas Instruments is a 24-bit, 6-channel ADC / 8-channel DAC audio codec with differential analog I/O, supporting sampling rates up to 96 kHz (ADC) and 192 kHz (DAC), TDM/I2S/DSP interface modes, and dual 5-V analog / 3.3-V digital supplies - deployed in automotive AVN head units and high-fidelity home theater receivers.

For engineers reviewing the PCM3168APAPRG4 datasheet, PCM3168APAPRG4 pinout, PCM3168APAPRG4 application, or PCM3168APAPRG4 equivalent, key selection factors include differential input/output capability (2 VRMS/8 VPP), hardware- and I²C/SPI-controllable audio format selection, THD+N ≤ –93 dB (ADC) / ≤ –94 dB (DAC), and HTQFP-64 package thermal performance (RθJA = 26.1°C/W).

Technical Context

The PCM3168APAPRG4 integrates independent ΔΣ modulators for both ADC and DAC paths, with programmable decimation/interpolation filters supporting single/dual/quad oversampling (128–768 fS). Its audio interface operates in master or slave mode across I2S, left/right-justified, DSP, and TDM formats - enabling flexible channel mapping in multi-zone car audio systems.

Control is implemented via either four-wire SPI (with 3-state MDO), two-wire I²C (open-drain SDA), or hardware pins (MODE, MS, MC, MDI), allowing simultaneous configuration of digital attenuation, soft mute, de-emphasis (32/44.1/48 kHz), and high-pass filter (0.96 Hz at 48 kHz). Overflow (OVF) and zero-detect (ZERO) flags provide real-time signal integrity monitoring.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PCM3168APAPRG4 is housed in a 64-pin HTQFP package with exposed PowerPAD thermally connected to analog ground. The package measures 10.00 mm × 10.00 mm and supports reflow soldering per JEDEC J-STD-020.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar audio codec applications.

Compared with PCM3168APAPRG4, the Q1 variant adds extended temperature and AEC-Q100 qualification without altering functionality, while the non-G4 version trades Pb-free compliance for legacy solder compatibility - neither offers pin-to-pin replacement without verifying board-level thermal and compliance requirements.

Availability

PCM3168APAPRG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for car audio AVN systems, multi-zone home theater receivers, and professional audio DSP front-ends requiring stable component supply, long-term manufacturability, and automotive-grade reliability assurance.

Supply support for PCM3168APAPRG4 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies, with decades of leadership in high-performance audio signal chain solutions.

The PCM3168A product line delivers integrated, low-noise, multi-channel audio codecs optimized for automotive infotainment, premium home audio, and professional broadcast equipment - emphasizing differential I/O, flexible digital interfaces, and robust thermal design.

FAQ

What is the maximum supported sampling rate for the PCM3168APAPRG4 DAC?

The PCM3168APAPRG4 DAC supports sampling rates up to 192 kHz, verified in the datasheet (SBAS452A, Section 8.5). This capability applies specifically to the DAC path; the ADC is rated up to 96 kHz. System clock (SCKI) must be configured accordingly - e.g., 128 fS for 192 kHz operation - and the device must be set to quad-rate mode for full bandwidth utilization. PCM3168APAPRG4 maintains THD+N ≤ –94 dB and dynamic range ≥112 dB at 48 kHz, with performance scaling predictably across supported rates.

Does the PCM3168APAPRG4 support TDM audio format, and how many slots does it handle?

Yes, the PCM3168APAPRG4 natively supports TDM format on both ADC and DAC paths, as confirmed in the Functional Description (Section 9.3) and Timing Requirements (Sections 8.10–8.11). It handles up to 32 time slots per frame in TDM mode - sufficient for its 6 ADC and 8 DAC channels using 2-channel-per-lane packing (DIN1–DIN4 and DOUT1–DOUT3). Slot assignment and frame sync are controlled via register settings or hardware mode pins, with BCKDA/LRCKDA timing compliant to standard TDM specifications.

What are the analog input and output voltage ranges for the PCM3168APAPRG4 in differential mode?

In differential mode, the PCM3168APAPRG4 accepts ±1 VRMS (2 VRMS total) analog input voltage across VINx+/VINx− pairs, and delivers ±4 V (8 VPP total) differential output across VOUTx+/VOUTx− pairs - both referenced to their respective VCOMAD/VCOMDA bias voltages (0.5 × VCC). These values are specified in Section 8.3 (Recommended Operating Conditions) and validated in Electrical Characteristics (Section 8.5). Input impedance is 45 kΩ, and output load requirements are 5 kΩ (AC-coupled) or 15 kΩ (DC-coupled), directly informing external circuit design for PCM3168APAPRG4 integration.

How does the PCM3168APAPRG4 handle power-down and reset functions?

The PCM3168APAPRG4 implements hardware reset and power-down via the active-low RST pin (Pin 4), which halts all clocks and places analog/digital blocks into low-current state (<300 μA ICC, <50 μA IDD). Full power-down requires stopping SCKI, BCKAD/DA, and LRCKAD/DA as specified in Section 8.5. Internal reset release timing is documented: ADC data valid after 4800 LRCKAD cycles; DAC output starts after 3600 LRCKDA cycles (Section 8.7). PCM3168APAPRG4 also supports software-controlled power states via SPI/I²C register writes for granular subsystem management.

Is the PCM3168APAPRG4 pin-compatible with the PCM3168AQ1PAPR?

Yes, the PCM3168APAPRG4 and PCM3168AQ1PAPR share identical pinout, package (HTQFP-64), and electrical interface behavior - confirmed in the Device Comparison Table (Section 6) and Pin Configuration (Section 7) of SBAS452A. The Q1 variant adds automotive temperature rating (–40°C to 105°C) and AEC-Q100 qualification but retains full functional and mechanical compatibility. No PCB layout changes are needed when upgrading from PCM3168APAPRG4 to PCM3168AQ1PAPR, though thermal validation under extended temperature conditions is recommended.